Internet shutdown, metro curbs: Delhi tightens screws ahead of CJP protest

NEW DELHI: Delhi has ordered a 24-hour suspension of mobile internet services within a four-kilometre radius of the Janpath–Kartavya Path junction ahead of a protest announced by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The restriction is scheduled to take effect at 10 pm on October 9 and remain in force until 10 pm on October 10. According to reports, the order was issued by the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in Delhi on Friday evening. Telecommunications operators, including Airtel, Vodafone Idea, Jio and MTNL, have been directed to implement the restrictions.

The move comes amid a wider dispute over restrictions imposed on public transport ahead of the planned demonstration. The Supreme Court questioned the proportionality of the measures, reportedly observing that a hammer should not be used to kill a fly, and called for arrangements that would not bring Metro and railway services to a complete halt.

The internet restriction is expected to affect mobile connectivity in areas including Connaught Place, Mandi House, Pragati Maidan, Bangla Sahib Gurdwara, Barakhamba Road, Khan Market, Lodhi Road and Jangpura. The order concerns mobile internet services; a blanket suspension of fixed-line broadband has not been independently established.

Authorities had earlier announced plans to close entry and exit gates at 57 Delhi Metro stations from 9 pm on October 9. The affected stations reportedly include Rajiv Chowk, New Delhi, Central Secretariat, Patel Chowk and Kashmere Gate. However, the status and implementation of these restrictions need to be read in light of the Supreme Court's intervention.

Train cancellations have also been reported in connection with the planned protest. Services scheduled to arrive at or depart from New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations between 4 am and 2 pm on October 10 were among those affected by the announced measures. The final operational status of individual trains should be checked against official railway updates.

The restrictions are expected to affect communications and transport in the national capital as authorities prepare for the demonstration. Delhi Police has cited the need to maintain law and order, while the measures have prompted questions about their proportionality and impact on public movement and reporting.